Page:American Historical Review, Volume 12.djvu/351

Intercepted Letters of Virgi7iian Tories, ///J 341 J. Intercepted Letters of Virginian Tories, ijj^ These two letters from Tories at Portsmouth, Mrginia, were found among the manuscripts in the Virginia State Library, " Ex- ecutive Communications ", by Mr. Waldo G. Leland. The first has lost its original wrapper and bears neither signature nor name of addressee, but is identified as having been written by John Johnson by an indorsement on the part of H. W. R. Curie, who was perhaps the interceptor. The second was apparently written by a canny Scottish merchant or factor, chiefly interested in the " main chance ". but for that very reason not indifferent to the political events going on around him. The sequel of his strivings for profitable com- merce, resulting in prosecution for violation of the non-importation agreement in January, 1776, after Norfolk had passed into the hands of the Americans, may be read in the report of a committee of the Virginia Convention, Force's Archives, fourth series, IV. 109, 126, 128. In date both of these letters fall in the interval between Lord Dunmore's minor success at Kemp's Landing and his more im- portant defeat at the Great Bridge. PoRTSiiouTH Novemr. i6th 1775 being Thursday Dear Sir As Politicks are now uppermost in all men's minds I sit down to give Vjou a sketch of affairs in this Colony, and of the Situation of Foreigners, particularly Britons residing here. Ever since the Convention broke up in August the greatest diligence has been used in raising Troops, and a considerable Number have been imbodied at Williamsburg, some say Twelve or Fifteen Hundred, others more. They consist of Regulars and Minute Men. The footing on which the latter are rais'd, and are to act, I cannot explain to Your satisfaction, without having the Ordinance of Convention,' wch. indeed I have never seen. Part of this Body are destined for Norfolk, and there is certain intelligence, that, notwith- standing the vigitence of the Tenders employ 'd to guard the Ferries on James River, about Seven Hundred Men are got across to Gray3 Creek, and probably are now on their march down. People at Norfolk and this place, are dreadfully alarm'd with the report that has long pre- vailed of their intentions of burning the Towne: certain it is many terri- ble Threats have been made, either because they are made to believe that a majority of the Inhabitants are Scotch, and of course Friends to Government, or from an apprehension that Norfolk will be made a Garrison, and consequently a Station for Troops and ships of War. To quiet People's minds the Committee of Safety have publish'd a Declara- tion of which I send you a copy; tho' I am far from thinking their integrity is call'd in question, yet this will not remove People's appre- ' Hening, IX. 9-35.